Congenital Cytomegalovirus

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is congenital cytomegalovirus?

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a viral infection that your child gets before birth. CMV is passed from an infected mother through the placenta to her unborn baby. CMV can be harmful to an unborn baby and lead to severe health problems. A CMV infection increases your baby's risk for hearing or vision problems. A CMV infection may also increase your child's risk for birth defects and learning or development problems.

What are the signs of congenital CMV?

Most babies who are born with a CMV infection do not have any signs of the infection. In some cases, your baby may have the following:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)

Red or purple spots on his skin

An enlarged liver or spleen after he is born

How is CMV diagnosed?

Blood, urine, saliva, or cerebral spinal fluid may be tested for infection with CMV. You may have your blood tested before your baby is born or your baby may be tested after delivery.

An ultrasound may show problems with your unborn baby or the placenta.

Amniocentesis may be done if there are problems seen on ultrasound. An amniocentesis is a procedure to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid will be tested for CMV.

How is CMV treated?

There is no cure for CMV.

Antiviral medicines are given to treat the CMV infection. Early treatment for your baby may decrease his risk for hearing loss or problems with brain development.

Call 911 for any of the following:

Your baby has difficulty breathing.

Your baby has a seizure.

When should I seek immediate care?

Your baby has new or worsening jaundice.

Your baby has a red or purple spots on his skin.

Your baby has abdominal swelling.

Your baby does not respond normally to sound.

When should I contact my child's healthcare provider?

Your baby has a fever or a cough.

Your baby vomits, has diarrhea, or will not eat.

You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.